Truck Caps - how often do you clean front window?

I'm looking to buy a Leer or ARE cap for my '16 sport long bed and see that most come standard with a fixed front window. The fold down front window and/or window slider adds to the cost.

For those of you with caps, how often do you actually need to clean the front window? And what are your climate conditions? I realize that since the cap does not attach to the back of the cab there is a gap that will allow water, dust, etc.

If you camp and sleep in the back do you find that you often want access to the cab though the slider?

My old '89 4x4 had a cap with a compression boot so this was never a problem, however it did wear the paint on the back of the cab. Don't want that on my new truck since I do not keep the cap on all of the time.

If you were to buy again, would you opt for the folding front window? Slider?

I know that the up charge is not all that much, but man these new caps are expensive so I'm wanting to only pay for what I'd really use.

Thanks!

 

If you eliminate the front window and install a gasket use window tint around the rear cab window to prevent scratches

 

I've never cleaned my topper window or the back of the cabin windows when I've had shells. I just aim the pressure washer in there and blow out as much crap as I can when I wash it. It's never bothered me and it never gets that dirty (and I live in CO so road/weather conditions can get nasty).

 

Thanks. Could you expand some on the window tint idea?

 

Apply it to the paint of the cab where the gasket touches

 

Drove my old truck (not this one...yet) 10 years and 300k with the rear window of the cab removed completely and gasketed the front of the cap for an open pass through to the bed. No problems and yes I could slip through the opening to the front or rear without leaving the truck

 

Having owned caps before, If I were to do it again I'd get a fold down none sliding window. The water stains and spots bugged me.

 

I had the fold down window on a previous truck with a shell and found it to be great. I think you would be glad if you decide to get that option.

 

it really depends on how OCD you are... if you can live with water spots and slight dust, forget it. only you know your own threshold for dirtiness.

 

Thanks for your input, guys. It helps make my decision.

 

I have a fold down slider in mine. Have cleaned it twice in a year. The main thing I see when I look back are dog nose prints which are on the inside of the cap.

 

I had a shell on my 08 and now one on the 17 and I will say when I removed the shell on the 08 when I thought I was going to trade it in I couldn't believe the water spots that occurred on the rear window. I think with the 17 I'll try and pay more attention on cleaning the water off via the slider window on it and also stuffing a towel between the two.

I will say I didn't think of the rain-X on the rear window prior to having the topper installed

As for camping you'll want some ventilation so I usually open the slider window along with the side window a little bit to get some air movement going. As for accessing the cab when sleeping in the back.. Never needed to. I also got the slider window so I can let the dog look into the cab on occasions.